The Government is today being forced to finally sit up and listen after the Dog Control Bill, championed by Lord Rupert Redesdale, the Kennel Club and the Dangerous Dogs Act Study Group (DDASG), passed its Report Stage in the House of Lords.

This comes as the DDASG and Lord Redesdale criticised the government for their part in creating the problem of ‘status dogs’ by making them appeal to those wishing to intimidate others and rebel against the existing law.

A word from Lord Redesdale

The Liberal Democrat peer said: “Banning the Pit Bull Terrier in 1991 was a huge mistake; creating a picture to the general public that certain breeds of dog are dangerous and others not is hugely irresponsible. The media has also played its part in demonising certain breeds and making people afraid of them, which has served no purpose but to make them even more attractive to own for the irresponsible. Doing away with breed specific legislation would remove the ‘cachet’ that these dogs currently have and focus on the real problem at the other end of the lead.”

The proposed Bill

The Bill proposed will replace the existing dangerous dog legislation, including the repeal of breed specific legislation and the introduction of Dog Control Notices. Put together by the DDASG, the Bill is currently continuing its path through the legislative system after being tabled by Lord Redesdale as a Private Members Bill in 2010.

The DDASG includes organisations that represent animal welfare, local authorities and veterinary professional organisations, including the Kennel Club, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, Blue Cross, British Veterinary Association, Dogs Trust, Mayhew Animal Home, Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, Wandsworth Borough Council and Wood Green Animal Shelters.

The DDASG believes in the principle of ‘deed not breed’ and will continue to lobby for the Dangerous Dogs Act to be overhauled. The DDASG has also been working with other major stakeholders including the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and will issue a joint briefing to government today, entitled ‘Finding solutions to irresponsible dog ownership’ outlining where urgent action must be taken in existing dog legislation to improve huge inadequacies within the law.

As Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary and DDASG member highlights: “Bull breeds and Pit Bull Terriers in general are the very victims of their own loyal nature. These dogs are used for fighting because of their extreme loyalty and willingness to do anything for their owner. We have seen cases of dogs literally fighting to the death because their owner has directed them to. This loyalty also means that in other countries pit bulls and other bull breeds are used as search and rescue dogs, assistance dogs and guide dogs – yet in this country they can be destroyed just for being of a ‘type’.”

Using a system of Dog Control Notices, steps would be taken to address unwanted behaviour at an early stage in dogs of any kind – whether a Pomeranian or a Pit Bull. The Dog Control Bill also allows any dangerous dog issues to be targeted and addressed at an earlier stage, concentrating on owners rather than specific breeds or waiting until a serious incident has occurred.

Get involved

A petition in support of the principles of the Dog Control Bill was formed and has now received over 10,000 signatures. The petition can be found at www.gopetition.com/petitions/repeal-and-replace-the-dangerous-dogs-act.html

The Bill’s final stage in the House of Lords, the Third Reading will take place after summer recess before moving to the House of Commons for further consideration. For more information on the DDASG, Lord Redesdale’s Dog Control Bill and current legislation, please visit www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/928.

ENDS
10th June 2011
[180.11]
For further press information, images or interview requests please contact:
Victoria Brown, DDASG coordinator
07540 731320
020 7518 1008
victoria.brown@thekennelclub.org.uk

Notes to Editors

The Dangerous Dogs Act Study Group:

The Dangerous Dogs Act Study Group (DDASG) is a wide-ranging group representing animal welfare, local authorities and veterinary professional organisations and includes representation from:

• Battersea Dogs & Cats Home
• Blue Cross
• British Veterinary Association
• Dogs Trust
• Kennel Club
• Mayhew Animal Home
• RoyalCollegeof Veterinary Surgeons
• Wandsworth Borough Council
• Wood Green Animal Shelters

A joint briefing paper ‘Finding solutions to irresponsible dog ownership’ has been issued to government on Friday 10 June and is supported by:

• Battersea Dogs & Cats Home
• Blue Cross
• BSAVA
• BVA
• Dogs Trust
• Communications Workers Union
• GMB
• Guide Dogs for the Blind
• Kennel Club
• Mayhew Animal Home
• National Dog Wardens Association
• Police Federation
• Prospect
• RCN
• RCVS
• RSPCA
• UNISON
• Unite
• USDAW
• Wood Green Animal Shelters

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